Water is Water
Written by Miranda Paul ● Illustrated by Jason Chin
Verdict:
Science in literary and illustrative form, this book presents the many shapes and journeys of water in a delightfully accessible way.
What is it about?
Water is Water is all about, you guessed it, water, and the journey water takes from the Earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back again. In a gorgeously illustrated series of double-page spreads, the various forms of water – as liquid in rain or fruit juice, as a solid in ice and snow, and as vapor in clouds and fog and steam – are depicted, with very simple transitions noted both in text and picture. The text is nicely rhyming for an immersive experience using artistic words, brilliant colors, and character activity. This is science in literary and illustrative form.
Our take:
This is the type of book that we love to see in libraries. All parts of it are beautiful, from the illustrations and aesthetic sense, to the way scientific ideas are presented as easy, rhyming text. The book also does one of our favorite things: It teaches us by pointing out everyday experiences — like rain or a pond — as marvels to be noted. It shows us people living in these marvels and enjoying themselves. It gives us fresh eyes for the ordinary and appreciation for the complexity and simplicity of this earth.
Perfect for:
This book is perfect for all young people in homes and classrooms. From about three years old to pre-teens, young people will find plenty to appreciate and learn in this book. It will be particularly excellent as a teaching tool. Each illustrated scene offers many things to notice and talk about, including animals and seasonal changes and various biomes, so each new visit with the book will offer fresh perspectives and new things to discuss. Give it to children with scientific interests, or those who might need a fresh path toward STEM topics.
Conversation Starters
Why is water so special?
Where have you seen different kinds of water: liquid, steam, clouds, rain, ice, snow, fog?
How can an apple turn into a drink?
How can you walk on water?
Which temperatures go with which different kinds of water: solid, liquid, air?
Which kind of water do you like for your drink? Bath? Outside?
What kind of water can be dangerous?
Shall we go find pictures in the clouds?
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